Gloucestershire Airport

What Gloucestershire Airport does

Gloucestershire Airport is a UK general aviation airport located in Staverton, between Gloucester and Cheltenham, operating a 300-acre site originally established in 1936 and re-formed under Gloucestershire Airport Limited in 1993 as a joint venture between Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council. It is currently one of the UK's top 15 airports by aircraft movements, recording 68,000 movements in 2023, and contributes approximately £52 million annually to the local economy. The airport is currently being marketed for sale to Horizon Aero Group at a price exceeding £25 million, with the transaction delayed by procedural and legal issues as of 2026.

The airport's product set spans aeronautical services (runway access, air traffic control with the DataBeacon Romeo5 FID system deployed in 2025, permanent RFF Category 4 fire services, fuel supply, and published landing/parking fees), pilot and training services (multiple on-site flight training providers covering fixed-wing, helicopter, LAPL and PPL training, plus the Wings for Warriors Veterans' Flying School launched in January 2025), and a substantial commercial property platform comprising Anson Business Park, Meteor Business Park (~700,000 sq ft combined) and the developing CGX Connect business park (30,000 sqm, forecast to create 1,520–1,750 new jobs). Infrastructure has been modernised through a 2022 runway refurbishment, June 2026 runway redesignation to 08-26 and 03-21, and a £500,000 ATC upgrade completed in November 2025.

The business model combines transaction-based aeronautical revenue (landing/parking fees, fuel margins) with recurring property and hangarage rental from an ecosystem of more than 300 aviation-related tenants including Ontic (350+ employees), Babcock, Safran Group, Electroflight, RGV and Aircraft Interiors Ltd, complemented by grants and Growth Deal funding for capital programmes. The airport is also pursuing a corporate restructure via the pending divestiture to Horizon Aero Group and recovered normal CAA operational oversight in July 2025 after a multi-year remediation programme that lifted 'On Notice' and 'Special Attention' regulatory status.

Name

Gloucestershire Airport

Legal name

Gloucestershire Airport Limited

Website

https://gloucestershireairport.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1936

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gloucestershire Airport is a UK CAA-licensed general aviation airport in Staverton, Cheltenham, serving GA operators, flight training schools, charter providers, and 300+ on-site aviation businesses across two business parks and the developing CGX Connect site, with the asset currently being divested by its council shareholders to Horizon Aero Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

General Aviation Airport Operations

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Aviation Terminals & FBO Services (THABAFAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Private Aviation Ground Support & Trip Services (Dispatch, Permits, Handling) (THABAFAK), Aviation Infrastructure Agencies (Public Airports, Airfield Ops, Ground Access) (BPAIALAE)

Keywords

• General aviation airport
• Airport operations
• Flight training services
• Aviation property leasing
• Air traffic control services

Headquarters

HQ city

Cheltenham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Landing fees and aeronautical charges: Revenue generated from aircraft landing fees, parking fees, and other aeronautical charges levied on operators using the airport. The airport publishes fees and charges for pilots and operations.
2. Property & Hangarage rental: The airport owns and leases commercial property and hangarage space to aviation-related businesses. The airport has two business parks spanning approximately 700,000 square feet combined, including Anson Business Park, Meteor Business Park, and the newly completed CGX Connect.
3. CGX Connect Business Park development: The CGX Connect commercial development on the northern perimeter of the airport provides approximately 30,000 sqm of commercial and industrial floor space for businesses, generating rental income and supporting regional economic growth. Forecast to deliver around 1,520 new jobs.
4. Flight training school revenue: Multiple on-site flight training operators (Clifton Aviation, Bristol Aero Club, Castle Air Academy, Skyborne) generate training revenue, with the airport benefiting from associated landing fees and facility usage charges.
5. Fuel supply: The airport supplies avgas, jet A1, and UL91 fuel to visiting and based aircraft, generating revenue from fuel sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Gloucestershire Airport operates as a general aviation airport providing runway access, air traffic control, rescue and fire fighting services, landing fees, hangarage, property leasing, and aviation fuel supply. It supports flight training, private charter operations, business aviation, and hosts a commercial property portfolio including the developing CGX Connect business park on its 300-acre site.

Product overview

Gloucestershire Airport operates as a general aviation airport with a platform of interconnected services. The core airport operations encompass air traffic control (upgraded with Romeo5 FID system), rescue and fire fighting (RFF Category 4), pilot information services, and operational infrastructure. Supporting services include flight training through multiple providers (fixed wing, helicopter, Veterans' Flying School), pleasure flights, and private charter operations. Property services include the existing Anson and Meteor business parks (700,000 sq ft combined) and the developing CGX Connect business park (30,000 sqm). The airport directory showcases resident businesses including training schools, maintenance facilities, and aviation service providers. Together these form an integrated aviation hub serving training, business, leisure, and commercial aviation needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Landing Fees and Aeronautical Charges Published fees and charges levied on aircraft operators for landings, parking, and use of airport facilities, with surcharges during Cheltenham Race Week.
• Air Traffic Control Services Air traffic control tower operations providing approach procedures, flight information services, and airspace management for general aviation aircraft using the airport.
• Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFF Category 4) Permanent Category 4 emergency response capability enabling the airport to consistently support a wider range of aircraft operations including larger aircraft.
• Property and Hangarage Rental Commercial property and hangarage leasing across two business parks (Anson and Meteor) spanning approximately 700,000 square feet combined for aviation-related businesses.
• CGX Connect Business Park Commercial and industrial development providing 30,000 sqm of flexible floor space on the northern perimeter of the airport, forecast to deliver around 1,520 new jobs.
• Aviation Fuel Supply Supply of avgas, jet A1, and UL91 aviation fuels to visiting and based aircraft at the airport.
• Flight Training Facilities Airport infrastructure hosting multiple on-site flight training providers (Clifton Aviation, Bristol Aero Club, Castle Air Academy, Skyborne) offering fixed-wing and helicopter pilot training including LAPL and PPL.
• Pleasure Flights and Trial Lessons Consumer aviation experiences including trial flying lessons, balloon flights, and gift aviation experiences offered through resident operators at the airport.
• Private Charter Services FBO and infrastructure services supporting private jet and helicopter charter operators connecting passengers to national and international destinations through resident providers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Contributes £52 million annually to the local economy
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DataBeaconcoreTechnology or Integration · 20 January 2025DataBeacon was selected to supply the Romeo5 Flight Information Display (FID) system, an ATM-grade solution providing real-time aircraft position data for Air Traffic Control Officers. The system operates on on-premise hardware with cloud-based complementing functions and is compliant with CAA CAP670 regulations. DataBeacon has provided answers to all technical questions and engaged in contract negotiations meeting both commercial and operational requirements.
• Wings for WarriorsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2025Wings for Warriors (Veterans' Flying School), a UK military charity, launched a dedicated flight training centre at the airport, officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal. Supported by CABWI Awarding Body, Armed Forces Covenant Trust, and Veterans' Foundation. Aims to train 6-10 veterans every 18 months at approximately 40% of standard commercial pilot training cost.
• Montel Civil EngineeringcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 19 November 2021Montel Civil Engineering, a Westcountry-based contractor, was appointed to create vehicular access to the CGX Connect site, including building a new entrance, diverting and protecting services, widening access to the B4063, constructing carriageway and pedestrian refuges, and installing streetlights, signage, and road markings. Work completed in 20 weeks by Spring 2022.
• Vitruvius Management ServicescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 19 November 2021Gloucester-based project manager Vitruvius Management Services was appointed to manage the CGX Connect infrastructure works, working alongside Montel Civil Engineering and Gloucestershire Airport.
• Tewkesbury Borough CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 February 2021Tewkesbury Borough Council resolved to approve the CGX Connect planning application (reference 20/00758/FUL), supporting the scheme to provide 30,000 sqm of commercial/industrial floor space with potential to deliver around 1,520 new jobs. The site was allocated for growth in Tewkesbury Borough Council's Local Plan.
• VolkerFitzpatrickcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVolkerFitzpatrick, one of the UK's leading engineering and construction companies, was appointed to deliver the runway refurbishment programme (2022). Works included resurfacing of the crosswind (04-22) and main (09-27) runways, new runway lighting, signage upgrades, drainage improvements, and below-ground infrastructure for a new radar system.
• Ridge & Partners LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRidge & Partners LLP served as project manager for the runway refurbishment works delivered by VolkerFitzpatrick. Justin Wright, Senior Project Manager at Ridge & Partners LLP, noted the delivery was on time and within budget.
• OnticcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOntic operates a major aerospace manufacturing facility (65,000 sq ft) at Meteor Business Park. The company has grown from 95 to over 350 employees, supporting British Airways, Airbus, the UK Ministry of Defence, and Emirates. Ontic's presence strengthens the airport's reputation as a centre of aerospace excellence.
• PadpilotminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading industry training partner supporting Wings for Warriors' Veterans' Flying School, providing a learning experience for veteran pilots in training. Nathan Gray, CEO of Padpilot and former Royal Navy Commander, noted support for the programme.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Farnborough Airport: The UK's premier dedicated business aviation airport, serving corporate jets and charter operators. Directly comparable to Gloucestershire as a UK GA/private aviation hub; Gloucestershire's Airport Director Jason Ivey previously served as Operations Manager there.
• London Oxford Airport: Oxford-based business aviation and general aviation airport serving the London/Cotswolds corridor. Directly comparable as a UK GA airport with similar tenant and training economics; Jason Ivey served as Operations Director there.
• Cranfield Airport: Bedfordshire-based general aviation and business airport co-located with Cranfield University. Directly comparable as a UK GA hub with strong flight-training exposure; Jason Ivey previously served as Airport Director there.
• London Southend Airport: Mixed-use regional airport serving both commercial and general aviation in the London orbit. Comparable to Gloucestershire as a UK regional airport with GA exposure; Jason Ivey previously served as Operations Director there.
• Cambridge City Airport: General aviation airport serving Cambridge and the East of England with a comparable mix of flight training, private aviation, and corporate tenants. Comparable in scale and customer mix to Gloucestershire.
• Blackbushe Airport: General aviation airport in Hampshire serving flight training, private aviation, and light business traffic. Comparable to Gloucestershire in traffic mix (similar movement levels) and South-of-England positioning.
• Wycombe Air Park: General aviation aerodrome in Buckinghamshire primarily serving flight training and recreational flying. Comparable in operational profile to Gloucestershire's training and pleasure-flight segments.
• Weston Aviation: UK-based FBO and business aviation handling specialist. Already provides FBO services at Gloucestershire and competes in the broader UK FBO/handling market; a comparable specialist operator in the same value chain.

Broad incumbents

• Bristol Airport: Major commercial airport serving the South West of England. Adjacent regional competitor for broader air-travel demand in the same catchment as Gloucestershire, though operating at a much larger commercial scale.
• Signature Flight Support: Global FBO network operating at major business aviation airports. Competes with Gloucestershire's on-site FBO providers and shapes industry standards for handling, fueling, and crew/pax services that Gloucestershire must match.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/glosairport
• Facebookfacebook.com/GlosAirport
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gloucestershire-airport
• Instagraminstagram.com/glosairport

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gloucestershire Airport